The individual known as Vladimir Putin’s ‘goddaughter’ is reportedly looking to depart from the restrictive environment of Russia and has allegedly submitted an application for residency in Spain.
Ksenia Sobchak, a prominent figure in television, politics, and social media, who previously featured in Playboy, is pursuing a status as a digital nomad. This designation requires her to reside in Spain for the majority of each year and fulfill tax obligations in the country. The 43-year-old, who once challenged Putin in the Russian presidential race and manages her own media platform, has chosen not to make any statements regarding this matter.
According to reports in Spain, the well-known personality has applied for residency for herself and her eight-year-old son, Platon. Rumors suggest that she has already purchased a luxurious residence. This move coincides with the economic turmoil in Russia, stemming from Putin’s military actions and sanctions imposed by Western nations, amidst a tightening crackdown on dissent against the authoritarian leader.
Sobchak currently holds a five-year EU Schengen visa from France, as well as passports from Israel and Russia, granting her the ability to travel freely within Europe for up to 90 days within a six-month period. It is noted that Putin was present at her traditional Orthodox christening during her childhood, sparking speculation that he holds a significant role as her godfather.
Her late father, Anatoly, who served as a mentor to Putin before he entered politics, facilitated the initial political position for the former KGB operative when he served as mayor of St. Petersburg. Despite being perceived as aligned with the opposition, there are doubts among Putin’s critics about Sobchak’s true allegiances, with suspicions that she maintains a close personal relationship with the autocrat.
During her presidential bid in 2018, Sobchak faced criticism for allegedly participating to provide the appearance of a liberal contender in what was deemed a manipulated election by Putin. Her involvement was labeled a “farce” by detractors.
In 2023, she drew controversy for attending a scandalous event dubbed a “naked party” alongside other celebrities, a move that reportedly angered Putin. Following the incident, she issued a public apology, although she was not subjected to the same consequences as other participants.
Sobchak’s mother, Lyudmila Narusova, aged 74, serves as a senator in Russia who frequently stands alone in opposition to Putin’s restrictive policies. In a recent statement to Novaya Gazeta Europe, she expressed her concerns about Putin’s mental state amidst ongoing conflicts and warned about his reluctance to relinquish control.
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